The majority of the Canaries’ first team squad underwent personal fitness tests last week prior to a full-scale return to Colney over the last few days, as Adams and his coaching team look to put in the groundwork ahead of the Championship opener at Wolves on August 10.

Norwich will now step up their preparations with a four-day trip to the FA’s national football centre at St George’s Park, and the City boss is delighted by the early signs.

“They look excellent,” he said. “They were in for testing individually on Thursday and Friday. We put them through a two-hour time slot and worked them on the treadmill and various other exercises.

“Speaking to the sports scientists they are delighted and tell me they are better at this stage than last year in terms of fitness levels as a group which is very pleasing to hear. We’ve done one tough double session on Monday as well and they looked sharp so I am pleased.”

Adams hopes to make a goalkeeping addition to his backroom set-up for the trip to Burton after England coach Dave Watson completed his move to Premier League Southampton.

“Dave was an excellent coach and the fact he was with England at the World Cup tells you how highly he is regarded,” said Adams. “He has managed to go to a Premier League club and we wish him all the best. Again, it is one of those you can’t really stand in his way with the level he has been working at in Brazil. We now have to get some cover in quickly. We should have some in by over the next day or so Whether that is permanent or temporary it needs looking at straight away. That is the priority for now.

“I’m really pleased with the team we have put together. We have Gary (Holt) and Mark (Robson) to do the coaching and it is great Gary has come back in after his time at Falkirk. Joe Royle is someone I have huge respect for, as everyone knows. He has almost an encyclopaedic knowledge of the game. You can see why I have brought him in as a consultant to help me in every way he can.”

Watson has linked up with former Canaries’ first team coach Martin Huner and ex-Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee on the south coast as part of new Saints’ boss Ronald Koeman’s coaching staff.

“Despite his relatively young age, Dave has already built up an impressive CV and is regarded as one of the most talented goalkeeping coaches in Europe,” said Southampton’s executive director Les Reed. “The fact we have been able to attract Sammy and Dave to Southampton is testament to our ambition to continue growing as a club, and shows our commitment to develop talented footballers at all age levels.”

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Twinkle toes has just rushed up to a vandal proof cash machine to check his balance. He looks dumbfounded. There's only £2 million in there. The club must have docked his wages. Can't think why. Meanwhile, Russell has rushed up to see what all the commotion is about. He has sprouted a pair of devilish red horns, hoping no doubt that these will mitigate the rather effeminate look of the sports bra. Hey, Russ, appreciate that you need some extra support to hold in the effects of all those holiday pies, but the bra is supposed to be worn UNDER the shirt. Next thing you'll be wearing your g string over your shorts and masquerading as SuperCanary. You've got a little over 4 weeks, now sort yourself out, man.

Do agree pal. At a loss with the FA. Luckily I get to have a foot in both camps and I certainly know which one I feel more passion for and fills me with confidence they are heading in the right direction.

The FA and EPL will never learn a thing.
At the moment the press are banging on about the whole shambolic set up from junior level to international. However a couple of months time all will be forgotten. The EPL will be the greatest in the World. A new golden generation will lead us to European Championship glory. Luis Suarez is a totally reformed character et al.

Looks like the players are having a dance dance dance here, either that or fun fun fun. God only knows, but wouldn't it be nice if Archie could come up something more newsworthy. Mind you, it's what we put up with all summer long, just the odd Snods breakaway. Must say, RVW looks a right darlin' in the piccy here. Good vibrations? You'd need 20 20 vision tobelive it.

Was gutted Steely. The whole set up by the USMNT is a breathe of fresh air. I was hoping the exploits of the team in this world cup would end the jokes my friends constantly say regarding the MLS and such but appears the stigma attached to 'soccer' is too strong. Only seeing positives though as its won over so many new fans who will continue to embrace it the same way other Americans already have. The FA really could learn a lot from the approach taken by the states, not only in developement, but in the whole match day experience.

Yes the Champion is a good 'un. Run by two ladies I think. Rather sad to see Matthias's boys go out last night but at least they went down in a blaze of glory. Speaking of which I saw a photo of Rooney sunning himself on the beaches of Florida. No doubt more pictures of more non achievers will follow. Wonder how many holidays Darren Bent is taking this year.

Steely, on another board, I suggested to el dingo that it was about time for another session of Balductum. It`s also about time Archie reinstated Blaff. Mean-minded lot. I have reason to believe that Blaff is no longer a PSV person. I have received a yellow card from Archie, and posting is constantly hampered by seemingly random etherings. To the Approved Hostelry list, I suggest we add The Champion. The Tete du Roi has yet to be tried, though I do pop in occasionally - good chance of finding Nelson`s Revenge or a Green Jack beer in there. Been using the old bus pass a bit lately. Found an interesting pub in Gorleston; The Dock Tavern. Ironically, there was a bunch of dog-fanciers in there last time talking about docking, `casteration` and boils on a Alsatian`s ar$€nal. Apparently, casteration is cheaper in bulk. Bragging rights for getting it done for only £157 instead of the going rate of £170. That`s a lot of bollox. Anyway, get your Social Secretary (SS) uniform cleaned & pressed, and march us all to glory in a pub somewhere.

You are up early today Brew, I imagine you are on your way to a hostelry later. We will have to have a get together in a few weeks time. I have a feeling that Blaaffen heads for Tuscany for the duration of the school holidays. It's what most bus drivers do. I've never quite understood this thing of footballers training in bra's. You could hardly imagine the likes of Dave Mackay ,Ron Harris or even Billy Punton wearing one.

Looks like all that management structure guff may have been prevarication. Perhaps Delia`s decided that too many cooks spoil the broth. This `technical` role; wasn`t that sort-of covered by Gary Karsa under Lambo, but with a less grandiose title? Machianalli has it all under control; have no fear....